PRESIDENT BUSH: It has been an honor to welcome the President and Prime
Minister of an independent Kosovo to the Oval Office. I'm proud you all
are here. I welcome you. I'm a strong supporter of Kosovo's independence.
I'm against any partition of Kosovo. I believe strongly that the United
Nations mission must be transferred to the EU as quickly as possible. I
want to thank you very much for your support of minority rights, the full
implementation of the Ahtisaari plan.

We discussed a variety of issues. We discussed the problems that Kosovo
faces, its desire to be recognized by more nations around the world. I
pledged that the United States would continue to work with those nations
that have not recognized an independent Kosovo to convince them to do so as
quickly as possible.

We talked about economics, education. And we talked about the
transatlantic aspirations of both Kosovo and Serbia, which the United
States supports in both cases.

I mentioned to both these leaders that they were sitting right below the
portrait of George Washington, the founder of a free United States. And I
appreciate your courage. I appreciate your leadership. And I commit the
United States to help you realize your dreams. Welcome.

PRESIDENT SEJDIU: (As translated.) It's an extraordinary occasion for us
to be received by President Bush to convey to him all of the aspirations
and all the thanks of the Kosovo people -- heartfelt thanks.

The Kosovo people have been following democracy, the principles of
democracy and freedom. And the United States are -- they're our
supporters. We guaranteed President Bush that we will continue on this
road, and at the same time to implement the Ahtisaari document.

Kosovo will be a country of democracy, a country of all its citizens. It
will have a special respect for the minorities. We are very much
interested to have good relations with the Republic of Serbia. Our
progress will be with the integration of NATO and the EU.

Again, my heartfelt thanks, and God bless America.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you, sir. Prime Minister?

PRIME MINISTER THACI: (As translated.) Today's meeting with President
Bush not only reiterates the fact that we are closely connected with the
United States, but will always be their trustful friend, forever.

We have always trusted the United States and trusted the development of our
country and that it will be to the benefit of the international
development.

The Kosovo government and the Kosovo people will always bow in deep respect
for the United States and for the U.S. administration. It is a joint
success story. We are building a democratic Kosovo, affirmative action for
the minorities. We'll develop economic -- Kosovo economically. We'll have
excellent relations with all our neighbors, and in the future with Serbia.

As a sovereign and democratic country we want to be part of NATO and part
of the EU and have excellent relations with the United States. This is our
pledge, this is our responsibility, this is our vision.